CUNARD (Nancy). - Lot 121

CUNARD (Nancy). *Negro: An Anthology*. Edited and abridged, with an introduction, by Hugh Ford. New York: Frederick Ungar Publishing Co., [1970]. — In-4, 309 x 237: xxxii, 464 pp., publisher’s cardboard binding, with a printed dust jacket. First reprint of this seminal work in the defense of Black rights, first published in 1934; it is illustrated with nearly 200 photographs, some of which did not appear in the original edition. Among the most remarkable facts about *Negro* are, first, its very existence, and second, its author, Nancy Cunard (1896–1965). Both have attained legendary status. Before 1934, Nancy Cunard was already a poet, a daring publisher of avant-garde books, an influential figure in the Montparnasse literary scene, and a passionate collector of African art. But it was *Negro*, conceived for the Black community and dedicated to Henry Crowder, her “first Black friend,” that brought her career to its peak. In 1934, *Negro* became the first work to comprehensively document Black people’s demands for equal treatment. It advanced a thesis—now widely accepted—that, in creative and cultural terms, Black people are the equals of white people. Nancy solicited contributions from around the world, organized sections on Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean, music, art, and politics, and faced the reluctance of some contributors, racist attacks from the press, and difficulties in finding a publisher. Yet she overcame all these obstacles. The rarity of *Negro* has contributed to its legendary status: of the 1,000 copies printed by a small London publishing house in 1934, only a handful remain today, mostly in private collections. The unsold copies were lost during the bombings of London, which destroyed the publisher’s inventory. *Negro* inspired generations of activists and intellectuals. Its content makes it a seminal work in the struggle for Black rights. This reissue was published by and annotated by Hugh Ford. Following the introduction is a note stating that: “The publisher selected more than half of the original content: most of the section devoted to America, all of the poetry, half of the European texts, and about two-thirds of the African section. New photographs by Nancy Cunard—some of which were taken during the preparation of the book *Negro*—have been added to the selection of images reproduced here from the original edition.” A copy belonging to the American novelist, journalist, and translator Solita Solano (1888–1975), featuring this autographed dedication on the half-title page: Dear Solita, // well, as you see, it is // still a large and important // book. May its message // travel far! // Love. // Hugh // Trenton. October 1970 Solita Sodano had met Nancy Cunard in 1924. Among other works, she authored *Nancy Cunard: Brave Poet, Indomitable Rebel*, published by Hugh Ford in Philadelphia in 1968. Ford cites her in the book on pages xxvii (note 28) and 131. The dust jacket has the usual tears, creases, and water stains. There are marks left by paper clips on the front endpaper and the first three leaves. A few rare light foxing spots.